Deles: Late filing of Bangsamoro Law won’t affect peace process

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles has dismissed speculations the peace process could suffer a setback with the delay in the submission to Congress of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

“I know some people would like to take advantage of that and try to stir up some things, but I think the two parties are committed to try to explain this to everyone,” Deles told The STAR at the send-off reception for the Philippine delegation to the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict hosted by the United Kingdom and Australia Tuesday night.

“The reality is there is so much support for it. It just needs to be explained. The processes are not meant to delay or to weaken or diminish. As I’ve said, the fact that it has taken time should be seen as a reflection of how serious government is here,” she said.

Deles said President Aquino would lead the campaign to get the Bangsamoro Basic Law passed.

The draft basic law, submitted to the Office of the President on April 14 by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, is still being evaluated and studied by the Palace legal team. It would pave the way for the replacement of the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with a Bangsamoro government.

Congress will not be able to tackle the measure yet as it is set to adjourn on June 14.

Meanwhile, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Malacañang is likely to submit the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law a few days after Congress resumes session on July 28.

“The feedback is that they’ve virtually completed their review of it and I’m not certain there’s anything to gain by having it submitted in the last few days (of the first regular session),” he told reporters. – With Paolo Romero